Shakespeare the Man [Paperback]

Alfred L. Rowse (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As a historian of Elizabethan culture [Rowse] helpfully interrelates Shakespeare the man and his plays and poems with the personalities, the politics, the outstanding events of the age...[Rowse] is very good reading...his authoritarian tone rather bracing after the timidities of most of us in the establishment, always fearful of declaring ourselves." --The New York Times

"A book [which] ought to delight general readers and scholars alike...[Rowse] brings historical perspective to the usual account of Shakespeare as Stratfor boy and London actor...bold authority becomes daring speculation as the historian sweeps through the sonnets with a new theory." --Library Journal

"[Rowse] describes the rich background of Shakespeare's life and works. He dismisses the notion that little is known about Shakespeare but show him a very 'much a reading man', traveling frequently between London and Stratford. Rowse's Shakespeare is untroubled by the mental strain and dilemmas that vex his dramatic characters. This is no psychological study but a straightforward historical narrative. We should be grateful that he, it seems, has rescued the Dark Lady from her literary limbo." --Christian Science Monitor

"This book is certainly enjoyably good reading." --Economist

"Tone and substance suggest that Dr. Rowse is casting is net to capture a...popular kind of readership...he has the touch...a new and controversial thesis." --Times (of London) Literary Supplement

Product Details

• Paperback: 253 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Rev Sub edition (October 15, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312034253
• ISBN-13: 978-0312034252
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,945,917 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Art reflects life..., July 24, 2010

By 

Blaze - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shakespeare the Man (Paperback)

A highly readable study of Shakespeare, his plays, and his times. Rowse brings together what is known of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan era while referencing where he can some of his plays and poetry - and, I believe, he does it brilliantly. He is neither dry nor boring but thoroughly enjoyable. Purists might not care for his style, but he is entirely plausible and entertaining without being outrageous. His knowledge and respect for Shakespeare is evident. For those hungering to peel away the mystery of the great playwright, this is any excellent read. If art reflects life, we can certainly find some of Shakespeare in his own work. A favorite.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not useful for research, too much opinion., May 11, 2010

By 

T. Stewart "T. Stewart" (Auburn WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shakespeare the Man (Paperback)

This book was one of the most confusing books I'll probably ever read. It wasn't entertaining at all.

The reviews written about the book go on about how Shakespeare was a genius. Yes, his work was brilliant, but I believe the readers who wrote the book reviews went a little overboard with their descriptions. There are many pieces of evidence showing how the author is biased and stereotyping constantly: "William Shakespeare was a man who was skeptical of all human pretensions, and saw through everything and everyone." Throughout the entire book statements like that were written, making no sense.

In my opinion, the influence that the author is trying to have on the reader is neither good nor bad. His descriptions of Shakespeare were great, but not entirely realistic. He's writing about a man who lived many years ago, and is making accusations and statements he is not sure of or able to verify; the author can only go by the writer's work and the tones of them: "Shakespeare was exceptional in his fidelity to his birthplace." I'm sure this sentence would be true in a way, but it can't be proven.

All I can say is if you ever are required to write a paper on or research William Shakespeare, don't check this book out. The sentences and words the book has aren't exactly accurate and won't give you exact information. The book isn't even all about Shakespeare; it mentions other people who were supposedly important in his life. My advice would be to not waste precious reading time reading this book.

Senior English Student 2010

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ample informations that I'd done a project by one day!, March 24, 2000

By 

Dan (Dallas, Tx) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shakespeare the Man (Paperback)

Its has plenty of informations that are hard to find about Shakespeare and its pretty good book too but kinda complex of vocabularies to understand. Its help me instantly on my project. I'm average student and that book just gave me everythin what i need to know for project well I just wanna thank that author for helps